1920 Alberta Security Company/ Martin V. Melhorn Spec. House #6 3851 Hawk Street San Diego, CA 92103
Submitted: October 10, 2016
Allen Hazard and Janet O’Dea - 1824 Sunset Blvd. San Diego, CA 92103 - 619-574-6247 “At-a-Glance” Report Summary Property Information & Applicable Criteria
Resource Address: 3851 Hawk St. San Diego CA 92103 APN: ______Resource Name (per HRB naming policy): Alberta Security Co./Martin V. Melhorn Spec. house #6 Resource Type: Single Family House Will you be Submitting a Mills Act Application
Following Designation? Y ! N " Date of Construction: 1920 Architect/Builder: Alberta Security Co./Martin V. Melhorn Prior Resource Address (if relocated): N/A Date of Relocation: Applicant’s Name: Allen Hazard & Janet O’Dea Owner’s Name: Montinee Pongsiri & Brian Sanders Address: 1824 Sunset Blvd. Address: 3851 Hawk St. San Diego, CA 92103 San Diego, CA 92103 Phone #: (619)574-6247 Phone #: 619-413-7569 Email: [email protected] and [email protected] Email: [email protected]
The resource is being nominated for designation as a historical resource under: # HRB Criterion A as a special element of the City’s, a community’s or a neighborhood’s # historical development # archaeological development # cultural development # social development # economic development # political development # aesthetic development # engineering development # landscaping development # architectural development for the following reason(s):
# HRB Criterion B for its association with who/which is significant in local, state or national history for the following reason(s):
! HRB Criterion C as a good/excellent example of 1920 Colonial Revival bungalow.
! HRB Criterion D as a notable work of Alberta Security Co. / Martin V. Melhorn, a Master Builder . ! Previously established as a Master # Proposed as a Master
# HRB Criterion E as a property which has been determined eligible by the National Park Service for listing on the National Register of Historic Places or is listed or has been determined eligible by the State Historical Preservation Office for listing on the State Register of Historical Resources.
# HRB Criterion F as a contributing resource to the Historical District. Are interior elements/features included in the nomination and proposed for designation? Y " N ! If Yes, list elements and location: “At-a-Glance” Report Summary Required Forms and Documentation
Check Yes or No, indicating whether or not the following required documentation has been provided:
Report Copies !Y $N Provide one copy of the Historical Resource Research Report, stapled at the corner
Department of Parks and Recreation Forms !Y $N Primary Record (523a) $Y !N BSO Record (523b) $Y !N Archaeological Record (523c) (if applicable) $Y !N District Record (523d) (if applicable) $Y !N Locational Map (523j) (if applicable) $Y !N Sketch Map (523k) (if applicable) !Y $N Continuation Sheet (523l)
Attachment A Attachment B !Y $N Assessor’s Record !Y $N Chain of Title $Y !N Notice of Completion !Y $N Directory Search !Y $N Water Sewer Records !Y $N Deed from Date of Construction !Y $N Building Permits !Y $N Site Plan with Footprint !Y $N County Lot and Block Book !Y $N Previous Survey Forms
Attachment C Attachment D !Y $N City SD 800 Scale Eng Maps !Y $N Historical and Transitional Photos !Y $N USGS Maps !Y $N Current Photos of North Elevation !Y $N Original Subdivision Map !Y $N Current Photos of East Elevation $Y !N 1886/1887 Sanborn !Y $N Current Photos of South Elevation $Y !N 1906 Sanborn !Y $N Current Photos of West Elevation !Y $N 1921 Sanborn $Y !N Photos with a key floor plan $Y !N 1940 Sanborn (for interiors under consideration) $Y !N 1950 Sanborn !Y $N 1956 Sanborn Attachment E $Y !N Criterion A Documentation $Y !N Criterion B Documentation !Y $N Criterion C Documentation !Y $N Criterion D Documentation $Y !N Criterion E Documentation $Y !N Criterion F Documentation
State of California ! The Resources Agency Primary # DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI # PRIMARY RECORD Trinomial NRHP Status Code Other Listings Review Code Reviewer Date Page 1 of 14 *Resource Name: Alberta Security Company/Martin V. Melhorn Spec. House #6 APN 451-071-15-00
P1. Other Identifier: *P2. Location: ! Not for Publication ! Unrestricted *a. County: San Diego and (P2b and P2c or P2d. Attach a Location Map as necessary.) *b. USGS 7.5' Quad: Date: T ; R ; ¼ of ¼ of Sec ; M.D. B.M. c. Address: 3851 Hawk Street City: San Diego Zip: 92103 d. UTM: Zone: 10 ; mE/ mN (G.P.S.) e. Other Locational Data: (e.g., parcel #, directions to resource, elevation, etc., as appropriate) Elevation: This property is located in the U.S.G.S. quadrangle San Diego as Lot 15 in Block 482 of the Resubdivision of Block 482, of C.C. Seamans, subdivision of the East half of Pueblo Lot No. 1122 according to Map thereof #1532, filed in the Office of County Recorder on San Diego County on February 14, 1913. The house at 3815 Hawk Street is in the area generally known today as Mission Hills, in the proposed Marine View Historic District.
*P3a. Description: (Describe resource and its major elements. Include design, materials, condition, alterations, size, setting, and boundaries): The 1920 Alberta Security Company/Martin V. Melhorn Spec House #6 is an excellent example of a 1920 Colonial Revival bungalow design. The approximately 1,300 square foot, single story, two bedroom, one bathroom house is on a 5,094 square feet lot with a garage and guest house/office. The Alberta Security Company/Martin V. Melhorn Spec House #6 is a wood frame house with redwood clapboard siding that flares just over the concrete foundation. (See Continuation Sheet). *P3b. Resource Attributes: (List attributes and codes) *P4. Resources Present: "Building !Structure !Object !Site !District !Element of District !Other (Isolates, etc.)
P5a. Photo or Drawing P5b. Description of Photo: (View, date, accession #) Allen Hazard July 11, 2016
*P6. Date Constructed/Age and Sources: #Historic !Prehistoric !Both
P7. Owner and Address: Montinee Pongsiri and Brian Sanders 3851 Hawk Street San Diego, CA 92103 *P8. Recorded by: (Name, affiliation, and address) Allen Hazard & Janet O’Dea 1824 Sunset Blvd. San Diego CA 92103 *P9. Date Recorded: October 10, 2016 *P10. Survey Type: Intensive. *P11. Report Citation: (Cite survey report and other sources, or enter "none.") None. *Attachments: !NONE !Location Map !Sketch Map "Continuation Sheet !Building, Structure, and Object Record !Archaeological Record !District Record !Linear Feature Record !Milling Station Record !Rock Art Record !Artifact Record !Photograph Record ! Other (List):
State of California ! The Resources Agency Primary # DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI# PRIMARY RECORD Page 2 of 14 *Resource Name: Alberta Security Company/Martin V. Melhorn Spec. House #6 APN 451-071-15-00
B1. Historic Name: Alberta Security Company/Martin V. Melhorn Spec House #6 B2. Common Name: B3. Original Use: Single Family Residence B4. Present Use: Single Family Residence *B5. Architectural Style: Colonial Revival Bungalow *B6. Construction History: (Construction date, alterations, and date of alteration) On June 26, 1920, Alberta Security Company, (a real estate and construction company owned by Master Builder Martin V. and Alberta Melhorn), purchased Lot 15 in Block 482, of C.C. Seaman’s Resubdivision from Dr. Henry G. Leisenring. Master Builder Martin V. Melhorn bought lots, built houses and then sold them throughout Mission Hills.
The Alberta Security Company took out a building permit for a cottage and garage frame at 3851 Hawk Street. Melhorn listed his company as the owner and builder. The building permit was published the day before the deed transferred from Dr. Leisenring to the Alberta Security Company. A Notice of Completion could not be found. The sewer permit is dated September 20, 1920. The Colonial Revival bungalow at 3851 Hawk Street was most likely completed in 1920 since taxes were assessed on January 1, 1921 according to the County lot and block book. The Sandborn map shows the house but not the garage from 1920 through 1956. Subsequent permits issued include: a permit for roofing issued on November 21, 1931, electrical work on January 29, 1936, water heater on April 26, 1967; replacement fireplace on November 9, 1993; electrical work on February 28, 1994 possibly for the newer laundry area at the back of the house and a guest dwelling on July 16, 1997.
*B7. Moved? "No !Yes !Unknown Date: Original Location: *B8. Related Features: B9a. Architect: b. Builder: Martin V. Melhorn *B10. Significance: Theme: Residential Architecture Area: Resubdivision of Block 482 Period of Significance: 1920 Property Type: Single-family residence Applicable Criteria: C, D Map The house at 3851 Hawk Street merits historical designation under Criteria C and D for being expertly built by master builder Martin V. Melhorn and for retaining its integrity as a Colonial Revival Craftsman bungalow. The 1920 Alberta Security Company/Martin V. Melhorn Spec House #6 House is an excellent example of the Colonial Revival Craftsman bungalow style and retains its architectural integrity in location, design, setting, materials, workmanship and feeling. (See Continuation sheet)
B13. Remarks: *B14. Evaluator: Allen Hazard and Janet O’Dea
*Date of Evaluation: October 10, 2016
(This space reserved for official comments.)
Google Maps $ N
*Required information
DPR 523A-Test (8/94)
State of California ! The Resources Agency Primary # DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI# CONTINUATION SHEET Page 3 of 14 *NRHP Status Code *Resource Name or # Alberta Security Company/Martin V. Melhorn Spec House #6 APN 451-071-15-00
P3 a. Description (continued): The Alberta Security Company/Martin V. Melhorn Spec House #6 is an excellent example of a well- designed and beautiful Colonial Revival bungalow and should be designated as such. The Alberta Security Company/Martin V. Melhorn Spec House #6 rests above a concrete foundation with a crawlspace for plumbing and service lines. There is a direct walkway from the sidewalk up one initial step and then up three steps to a nearly full width original concrete front porch. The walkway is newer concrete, however it is historically scored and does not distract from the otherwise overall integrity of the house..
The roof material is composition and features a single-story side-gable, clipped and hipped gambrel roofline with moderately overhanging eaves. The Colonial Revival bungalow has a symmetrical balance, which is a character-defining feature for this post-World War One Revival architectural style. Under the front porch roof is original tongue and grove bead board on the porch celling. The entryway is clearly inspired by the Ecole des Beaux-Arts movement from Paris, France, which was translated into the American Colonial Revival 1920s design. It has a simple, original Colonial Revival wood front door with 2 sets (of three) matching two over five panel French doors flanking the entry door. The eyebrow or ‘seagull” overhang creates a covered temple-like entrance or portico. There are two neo-classical Tuscan round columns with capped capitals, which, adds to this effect. There is also a matching smaller eyebrow vent dormer centrally located on the front roof façade. The house features several styles of windows, including; matching original double-hung wood windows, smaller double-hung windows, a small original fixed windows, original sliding windows and three non-original jalousie windows in their original spaces in the eastern or rear elevation.
The south elevation is further defined by two sets of original double-hung windows with eight over one mullin designs on each window. Symmetrically placed in between the two sets of double-hung windows is a small fixed wood window with a split mullin design. Above the small central window is a wood vent. There is a concrete driveway and wooden fence gate leading through to the back. The garage has a newer door. Attached to the garage is a 1997 studio/office. Neither the garage nor office are part of the nomination for designation.
The eastern or rear façade features an “L” shape design, there are two matching original wood double-hung windows with ten over one mullin designs on the upper windows. There are two non-original jalousie windows in their original wood openings in the rear. The rear addition extends out from the kitchen and uses the original backdoor with a period screen door. There is a third non-original jalousie window in its original wood framed space. The three-jalousie windows do not detract from the overall historic feeling of the house as they are all in the rear and out of view from the street façade.
The north elevation features a 1993 rebuilt red brick chimney. It is flanked by two small original double- hung windows featuring a three over one mullin design. There is also a vent between windows on the north façade slightly obscuring an attic vent. Then a pair of larger original double-hung windows featuring eight over one mullin design along with a grouping of three original sliding windows in the rear addition.
The Craftsman style interior reflects the Arts and Crafts movement period with open flowing spaces, with crown molding, a mantel surround, bookcase built-ins on each side of the fireplace, sideboard in the dining room, original oak floors, an original hexagonal bathroom floor and hallway built-ins. Although the interior is not part of the designation nomination, it reinforces the attention to detail and exemplifies the high standards of craftsmanship by master builder Martin V. Melhorn and the carpenters who built this 1920 Colonial Revival bungalow.
DPR 523B
State of California ! The Resources Agency Primary # DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI# CONTINUATION SHEET Page 4 of 14 *NRHP Status Code *Resource Name or # Alberta Security Company/Martin V. Melhorn Spec House #6 APN 451-071-15-00
B. 10. Significance (continued) Criterion C − Embodies distinctive characteristics of a style, type, period, or method of construction or is a valuable example of the use of indigenous materials or craftsmanship.
SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT FOR CRITERIA C −The Alberta Security Company/Martin V. Melhorn Spec House #6 built by master builder Martin V. Melhorn in 1920 embodies the Colonial Revival Craftsman bungalow architectural style in its design, period timing, place and method of construction. The house is significant for being an excellent representative of the late Arts & Crafts movement and the Colonial Revival Craftsman bungalow period. The early 1920s was known for houses designed in Revival styles. The popular Spanish Revival style swept across the nation following the 1915 Panama California Exposition and kicked off a wave of interest in revival styles across the country. The post-war Colonial Revival style was part of the patriotic wave sweeping the nation. The house is also significant for retaining its integrity and the craftsmanship that is clearly evident. The craftsmanship reflects a gifted master builder in Martin V. Melhorn.
The Alberta Security Company/Martin V. Melhorn Spec House #6 reflects many of the Colonial Revival Craftsman bungalow distinctive character-defining features of the post-war period; including a symmetrical shape or design, classical Tuscan neo-classical front porch columns, portico-like entry with a curved or eyebrow (seagull) pediment and a clipped gambrel gable roof line. The form and materials clearly demonstrate through the presence of essential physical features the function of a modest yet well-designed house of the early 1920s. The age and physical features reflect the late Craftsman period when the Arts and Crafts movement had passed following the end of World War One. The demise of Gustave Stickley’s “The Craftsman” also helped usher in the beginning of the Revival periods of the 1920s. The Alberta Security Company/Martin V. Melhorn Spec House #6 is also significant for the use of indigenous materials such as the redwood shiplap siding. The Colonial Revival house is also significant for being an excellent example of Martin V. Melhorn modest bungalows in a block of several Melhorn bungalows, including Melhorn’s own home two doors to the south.
THE ARTS & CRAFTS MOVEMENT AND COLONIAL REVIVAL 1890s to 1920s - Arts & Crafts leaders such as William Morris, John Ruskin, Charles Robert Ashbee, A.W.N. Pugin believed that all creative endeavor was of equal value. Not only did they want to reform design but to give quality once more to the work process itself. Theorists, architects and designers in Victorian Britain founded the Arts and Crafts movement. Socially, bungalows were about the growth of the middle class. Bungalows also contained elements of Japanese buildings and Swiss chalets styles. This movement spread from England to America, the focus shifted to home building and to the decorative arts, including furniture, ceramics, textiles, etc.. The Arts and Crafts movement also incorporated the use of natural materials such as wood, and brick in the building of bungalows and Craftsman homes to reconnect it to the natural world as a way of life. The name “Craftsman” comes from designs presented in the artistic and popular Craftsman magazine, published by Gustav Stickley from 1901-1916.
The American Arts and Crafts movement was inextricably linked to the British movement closely aligned with the work of William Morris and the second generation of architect-designers, including Charles Robert Ashbee (1863–1942), who toured the United States, and Charles Francis Annesley Voysey (1857–1941), whose work was known through important publications such as The Studio. British ideals were disseminated in America through journal and newspaper writing, as well as through societies that sponsored lectures and programs. The U.S. movement was multicentered, with societies forming nationwide. Boston, historically linked to English culture, was the first city to feature a Society of Arts and Crafts, founded in June 1897. In October 1897, Chicago's Arts and Crafts Society began at Hull House, one of the first American settlement houses for social reform. (See Continuation sheet)
DPR 523B
State of California ! The Resources Agency Primary # DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI# CONTINUATION SHEET Page 5 of 14 *NRHP Status Code *Resource Name or # Alberta Security Company/Martin V. Melhorn Spec House #6 APN 451-071-15-00 B. 10. Significance (continued)
Numerous societies followed in cities such as Minneapolis and New York, as well as rural towns, including Deerfield, Massachusetts. Unlike in England, the undercurrent of socialism of the Arts and Crafts movement in the United States did not spread much beyond the formation of a few Utopian communities. Rose Valley was one of these artistic and social experiments. William Lightfoot Price (1861–1916), a Philadelphia architect, founded Rose Valley in 1901 near Moylan, Pennsylvania. The Rose Valley shops, like other Arts and Crafts communities, were committed to producing artistic handicraft, which included furnishings, pottery, metalwork, and bookbinding. The Byrdcliffe Arts and Crafts Colony was another Utopian Arts and Crafts community. By 1903, outside of Woodstock, New York, Englishman Ralph Radcliffe Whitehead (1854–1929) and his wife Jane Byrd McCall Whitehead (1861–1955) founded Byrdcliffe. Locally, in 1908, the San Ysidro Little Landers’ Land Colony was an attempt at a small-scale cooperative agricultural community. It lasted until 1925.
In urban centers, socialist experiments were undertaken on a community level, frequently in the form of educating young women. Ideals were expressed in craftwork and simplicity in decorative work, including metalwork and pottery of the Arts and Crafts movement. Schools and training programs taught quality design, a cornerstone of the Arts and Crafts movement. In 1894-5,Newcomb Pottery was formed in New Orleans under the auspices of the H. Sophie Newcomb Memorial College, an educational institution for women. In 1899, the Saturday Evening Girls Club, was established in Boston as a reading group for immigrant girls. It was founded by the Paul Revere Pottery, which began producing pottery in 1908 and offered girls the ability to earn good wages within the community.
The interpretation of the vernacular in America varied widely in different areas of our country. Design reformers on the west coast looked to Spanish missions as well as bungalows with porches and other outdoor living spaces; in the mid-west, the Prairie served as inspiration; the east coast was most conscious of English precedent and the colonial past. Although the concept of regionalism in America was often subjective, California truly possessed a distinct local architecture. Sleeping porches, pergolas and patios were used more often and to a greater effect in California than elsewhere as the benign climate and lush vegetation were most conducive to the Arts and Crafts ideal of living close to nature. The Craftsman style was the dominant style for both smaller bungalows and larger Craftsman homes built throughout the country during the period from about 1900 until the early 1920s.
The Craftsman style had its origins in the Shingle Style of the east coast and northern California. In California, the Arts and Crafts house was interpreted by many architects, including, Bernard Maybeck (1862-1957) in Berkeley, and Irving Gill (1870-1936) and Richard Requa (1881-1941) in San Diego. Craftsman houses were also inspired primarily by the work of Charles Sumner Greene (1868-1957) and Henry Mather Greene (1870-1954) who practiced together in Pasadena, California from 1893 to 1914. Several influences – the English Arts and Crafts movement, an interest in oriental wooden architecture, and their early training in the manual arts led the Greenes to design and build intricately detailed buildings.
In 1903 Greene and Greene began by designing simple Craftsman-type bungalows. By 1909, they had designed and executed exceptional landmark examples such as the “ultimate bungalow” the Gamble house. Greene and Greene represented Arts and Crafts at its most refined and elite, California also provided the movement with its most potent symbol of the democratization of art – the bungalow. While built throughout the country, the bungalow is always associated with California; its open interior, one-story plan, wrap-around porch and low-pitched, overhanging roof offered the ventilation and protection from the sun suitable to the state’s climate and its rapid assembly, affordability and informality making it particularly suited to the state’s mobile, transient society. (See Continuation Sheet)
DPR 523B
State of California ! The Resources Agency Primary # DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI# CONTINUATION SHEET Page 6 of 14 *NRHP Status Code *Resource Name or # Alberta Security Company/Martin V. Melhorn Spec House #6 APN 451-071-15-00 B. 10. Significance (continued)
The California style drew inspiration not only from oriental designs but also from the California missions and other early adobe buildings. Irving Gill's style evolved from the more traditional Arts and Crafts style of the Marston House to a style incorporating the massive walls and arcades of the Mission style as exemplified by the La Jolla Woman's Club. Gill envisioned a "simple cube house with creamy walls, sheer and plain, rising boldly into the sky unrelieved by cornices or overhang of roof, unornamented save for the vines."
The Arts and Crafts movement came to San Diego not only in the bungalows and houses designed by architects but also by the craftsmen who created decorative arts such as California China Products Company, Valentien pottery, and Markham pottery.. Local stores served as outlets for nationally distributed Arts and Crafts goods. The housewife seeking Roycroft wares would find them only at J. Jessop & Sons, Inc., Jewelers, and Stationers. Marston's Department Store advertised that they were the sole agent for "Genuine Craftsman Furniture.",, Teco Pottery could be purchased at Alfred Stahel & Son, while Rockwood Pottery was available at the studio of photographer Harold A. Taylor. Anna Valentien also made hammered copper metal ware and jewelry for sale at J. Jessop & Sons
San Diego early 20th century houses were built along streetcars, in North Park, Mission Hills, Bankers Hill, University Heights and South Park. Architectural styles during this time included, bungalows, Craftsman, Prairie School, Mission Revival and later Spanish Revival and other Period Revival houses. The houses were often times modest in scale and creative in design. Many Craftsman houses were set back from the street, featured large front or side porches, featured gable roofs, exposed rafter tails, decorative beams or brackets and wood shiplap and/or shingle siding.
The modest bungalow, small houses built during the early 20th century often cost as little as $900 to build and helped to fulfill many American’s wishes for their own home, equipped with all the latest modern conveniences. Central to the bungalow’s popularity was the unique idea that simplicity and artistry could harmonize in an affordable house. The Craftsman era was a rare occasion in which serious architecture was found outside the realm of the rich. Bungalows allowed people of modest means to achieve something that they had long sought – respectability. With its special features, style, convenience, simplicity, sound construction and excellent plumbing, the bungalow filled more than the need for basic shelter, it provided fulfillment of the American dream. The bungalow was practical and symbolized for many the best of the good life, your own plot of land, privacy and independence.
Arts and Crafts publications supported the virtues of the bungalow, including Gustave Stickley’s Craftsman and other popular shelter magazines such as the Western Architect, The Architect, House Beautiful, Good Housekeeping, Architectural Record, Country Life in America, and Ladies’ Home Journal. Whole journals such as Henry Wilson’s Bungalow Magazine, were devoted to publishing plans and elevations. People could order sets of drawings from Wilson or from contractors and builders who produced “bungalow books” containing photographs and floor plans. Those too impatient or impecunious to hire a builder could purchase a prefabricated bungalow from the California Ready-Cut Bungalow Company or from Aladdin Company. These publications familiarized building contractors such as Martin V. Melhorn and the rest of the nation with the style that reflected the Arts and Crafts movement ideals.
The First World War is considered to mark the demise of the Arts and Crafts movement. While the American Arts and Crafts movement differed from the movement in Britain having less of a class distinction, here the movement was less by individuals such as Morris and Ruskin, but more by business leaders such as Stickley and Elbert Hubbard. The Arts and Crafts ideals were diluted so that their products could reach a wider audience. (See Continuation Sheet)
DPR 523B
State of California ! The Resources Agency Primary # DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI# CONTINUATION SHEET Page 7 of 14 *NRHP Status Code *Resource Name or # Alberta Security Company/Martin V. Melhorn Spec House #6 APN 451-071-15-00 B. 10. Significance (continued)
The Arts and Crafts movement in America had appeal for both conservatives and progressives. However, also at the time, this message was becoming polarized in different directions. The Georgian and Colonial Revivals gained ascendancy among conservatives, while the more progressive adherents pressed for a functionalism that later became associated with International Modernism. In 1916, with the death of Elbert Hubbard and the bankruptcy of Gustav Stickley when his expansion failed which included the Craftsman Farms, an office building /showroom, and other enterprises, as well as the change in national taste, were the undoing of this style. In San Diego, Arts and Crafts movement Craftsman and bungalow homes would continue to be built through the teens. Then the revival styles such as the popular Mission Revival and Spanish Revival house designs, would become the dominant residential architecture in San Diego and across America.
COLONIAL REVIVAL is the single most popular architectural style in the United States, in great part because of its richly varied vocabulary and inherent eloquence. It was the dominant style for residential construction throughout the country from 1876-1955. Credit is given to the Philadelphia Centennial of 1876 as the first awakening of an interest in our colonial architectural heritage. In 1877, architects McKim, Mead, White and Bigelow took a widely publicized tour through New England to study original Georgian and Adam buildings at first hand. By 1886 they had executed two landmark houses in that style, the Appleton House (1883-84) in Lennox, Massachusetts and the Taylor House (1885-86) in Newport, Rhode Island. These important examples typify the two subtypes that were most common before 1910, the asymmetrical form with superimposed colonial details and the more authentic symmetrical hipped roof shape. During the first decades of the 20th century, Colonial Revival fashion shifted to more carefully researched copies with more correct proportions and details. This was encouraged by new methods of printing that permitted wide dissemination of photographs in books and periodicals. In 1898, The American Architect and Building News began an extensive series called, “The Georgian Period: Being photographs and measured drawings of Colonial Work with text”. This was joined in 1915 by the White Pine Series of Architecture Monographs, which was dominated by colonial building photographs. Colonial Revival homes represent a resurgence of interest in the early-English and Dutch houses built along the Atlantic seaboard. The name of the style reflects the late-19th-century fascination with homes built by the early English and Dutch settlers, an affection that intensified through the World War I and II years before peaking in the mid- 1950s.
Colonial Revival is essentially a mixture of styles, all uniquely American. Roof forms such as gabled, hipped, and gambrel identify the style’s diversity that allows a greater degree of adaptation when remodeling than do the more rigidly defined architectural styles. Colonial Revival homes were based upon the original houses of the Thirteen Colonies, which were based upon earlier European styles, which were familiar to the early settlers. This traditional style evoked America’s early history and had a nostalgic appeal following the two world wars of the 20th century.
At the turn of the 20th century, the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris, France sent the message that architecture is essentially bilateral symmetry and that style must be classically inspired. Translated into the language of bungalow designers in America, this meant the design of miniature temple fronts or the use of Georgian or Federal-style models from the eighteenth century, which produced the Colonial Revival period here.
For many, this also meant painting the exterior and interior white, the Cape Cod cottage extended the Colonial Revival period well into the 1930s and 1940s. A spinoff for modest bungalows such as at 3851 Hawk Street, is a plain exterior with a dash of classical detail, such as a grouping of windows or French doors. Usually but not always, two-story and rectangular in plan and massing, they also feature hipped roofs, wood or brick exteriors and a symmetrical arrangement of windows and doors. (See Continuation Sheet)
DPR 523B
State of California ! The Resources Agency Primary # DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI# CONTINUATION SHEET Page 8 of 14 *NRHP Status Code *Resource Name or # Alberta Security Company/Martin V. Melhorn Spec House #6 APN 451-071-15-00 B. 10. Significance (continued)
Characteristic features include an accentuated front door, normally with a decorated pediment supported by pilasters. Other common architectural features might include a partial or full-width front porch, porches with classical columns and with simple pedimented, gable roof. American Colonial Revival houses might also have horizontal wood siding and simple brick chimneys at the gable end.
Colonial Revival homes were popular in Mission Hills, beginning with the 1909-1910 Eugune Fuller Dutch Colonial Revival residence at 1815 Sunset Blvd, which was one of the first houses built in the new Mission Hills subdivision (1910). Other key Mission Hills Colonial Revival houses would include; the historically designated 1913 Ralph Jenny/Walter Keller residence at 1945 Sunset Blvd; 1916,grand Colonial Revival by Walter Keller at 4075 Alameda Drive; 1924, 4414 Conde Place; 2271 Pine Street; 2215 Pine Street (undated, enlarged); 1102 Hunter Street (undated); 1928 4230 Arguello Street by Ralph E. Hurlburt; 3910 Henry Street; 1936, 2275 San Juan Street designed by Ralph Frank and built by Hurlburt, Frank and Slaughter; 1938, 4062 Witherby Street; c. 1939, 4120 Couts Street; 1948, 2526 Presidio Drive and the Leo R. Hoffman residence built by Pear Pearson Construction Company.
The house at 3851 Hawk Street clearly reflects the early 1920s as a Colonial Revival Craftsman bungalow at because it reflects the post-World War One era and shows the fading influence of the earlier Arts & Crafts movement along with the trend of its day, looking back to the simpler, colonial period. The bungalow is an excellent example of this aesthetic and era and time in which it was built. This 1920 bungalow lies in what is commonly called, “south Mission Hills”, just two blocks south of Washington Street, in the greater Mission Hills neighborhood. Originally, it was in the 1912 resubdivision of Block 482 in C.C. Seaman’s Subdivision. The Colonial Revival bungalow lies with the potential Marine View Historic District as a potential contributor.
According to the June 2016 Uptown Community Plan Area, Draft Historic Resources Survey Report, the house at 3851 Hawk Street is listed in the Marine View Potential Historic District. The Marine View Historic District is comprised of 340 properties, the time of significance is between 1891 and 1950, the theme for this potential historic district is the Railroad Boom and Early Residential Development: 1885-1909; the Panama California Exposition and Streetcar Suburbs: 1909-1929; the Great Depression and World War II: 1929-1948 and the Postwar Development, Suburbanization and the Automobile and Modernism period, 1948-1970. Homes in the Marine View Historic District would be eligible under San Diego Criteria A and C. This proposed historic district of 340 properties has 231 contributing and 109 non-contributing sites, this potential district is roughly defined as University Avenue, Eagle Street, Brookes Avenue and Winder and Welborn Streets. The proposed district is characterized by small-scale single-family residences from 1900 to 1940 with pattern book and or prefabricated construction, mostly in the Craftsman and Spanish Eclectic styles.
The Alberta Security Company/Martin V. Melhorn Spec House #6 is significant for demonstrating the following Craftsman bungalow characteristics during the streetcar era (1909-1929) as identified in the City of San Diego 2015 draft Uptown Community Plan Historic Resources Survey (the Survey): • Single story • Modest bungalows, Revival architectural style • Wood frame construction • Wide overhanging eaves • Clipped end gable roof • Wood cladding • Wood sash double-hung windows • Prominent front porch (See Continuation Sheet) DPR 523B
State of California ! The Resources Agency Primary # DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI# CONTINUATION SHEET Page 9 of 14 *NRHP Status Code *Resource Name or # Alberta Security Company/Martin V. Melhorn Spec House #6 APN 451-071-15-00 B. 10. Significance (continued)
The Colonial Revival characteristics in the Survey features nine principal sub-types of the style. The principal areas of elaboration for the sub-types are typically the entrances, cornices, windows, and building materials.
Colonial Revival building characteristics identified in the Survey and in common with the house at 3851 Hawk Street include: • Simple rectangular volumes, covered by gabled or hipped roofs. • Pilasters or slender columns that form an entry porch. • Symmetrical arrangement of windows and doors. • Multi-light double hung windows (with shutters). • Narrow clapboard siding. • Classical porch or entry columns.
Other Sources identify Colonial Revival Bungalows characteristics in common with 3851 Hawk Street that include: • Symmetrical, rectangular shape or mass • Temple-like entrance, portico topped by a pediment • Classical columns creating a covered porch • Clapboard siding • Paired windows
According to the Draft Uptown Historic Survey Report, the house at 3851 Hawk Street is listed as a minimally altered contributing resource for the potential Marine View Historic District and shares a number of common characteristics identified as the Colonial Revival style.
Criteria D – Is representative of the notable work of a master builder, designer, architect, engineer, landscape architect, interior designer, artist or craftsman.
SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT FOR CRITERIA D - The 1920 Alberta Security Company/Martin V. Melhorn Spec House #6 is an excellent representative example of the work of master builder Martin V. Melhorn. The house is a small but high quality representation of a Colonial Revival design by Martin V. Melhorn that he executed along with others on the block. It retains nearly all of its original physical features that are directly attributable to the work of the Master Builder. It retains the majority of the features that illustrate its style in terms of the massing, spatial relationships, proportion, pattern of windows and doors, texture of materials, and ornamentation The house retains all of its design character-defining features of a Colonial Revival Craftsman bungalow..
Melhorn was responsible for over 60 homes and buildings in Mission Hills alone, including 17 historically designated sites in Mission Hills. He also lived at three homes that he built in Mission Hills.
Martin V. Melhorn was born in Indiana in 1866. He lived and worked in Falls City, Nebraska and Denver, Colorado before moving to San Diego and perhaps followed the July 1909 Panama California Exposition announcement that attracted many carpenters and builders who anticipated a building boom here. In 1911, Melhorn moved to San Diego and formed Bay City Construction with John J. Wahrenberger and later son William F. Wahrenberger. They designed homes mostly in the Arts & Crafts movement and Craftsman genres that were popular before World War One. (See Continuation Sheet)
DPR 523B
State of California ! The Resources Agency Primary # DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI# CONTINUATION SHEET Page 10 of 14 *NRHP Status Code *Resource Name or # Alberta Security Company/Martin V. Melhorn Spec House #6 APN 451-071-15-00 B. 10. Significance (continued)
They began building houses in Mission Hills, North Park and University Heights. Melhorn. It is interesting that Melhorn and Warenburger were business partners in Denver. The Bay City Construction Company projects were characterized by building well-crafted artistic bungalows and later low and mid-rise hotels and apartment/commercial buildings in Golden Hill and downtown.
In 1913, Melhorn founded a real estate investment and development company, the Alberta Security Company, named after his wife. Martin and Alberta bought entire blocks or groups of lots in Mission Hills and elsewhere, they packaged their properties to prospective buyers. Martin showed the potential client’s alternatives for house styles, he took their requests and determined their financial ability and drafted building plans. Buyers would sign mortgage papers and secure loans with the Alberta Security Company. The title would stay with the Alberta Security Company until the mortgage was paid out. Bay City Construction Company was dissolved when John Wahrenberger became ill in 1916, Melhorn was then operating under the name, Martin V. Melhorn Investments, Wahrenberger died in 1918. Melhorn and his wife Alberta lived in a rustic bungalow with cobblestone rocks at 1309 Fort Stockton Drive (greatly altered) and then between 1920 and 1922 at 1740 Fort Stockton Drive in a two-story Prairie School design they built. In 1922, Melhorn later changed the name of his general contracting company to M.V. Melhorn and Son after his son, William B. Melhorn joined him.
Melhorn lived at 3838 Hawk Street after 1922 two doors away from 3851 Hawk Street and operated the Alberta Security Company at 4009 Hawk Street (demolished) in Mission Hills until his death in 1925.
During the early 20th century Arts & Crafts movement, Melhorn built bungalows that shared many character-defining features, including the use of cobblestone rocks, vertical wood alternating shingles, low- pitched rooflines, overhanging eaves. Among early Melhorn designs are the historically designated (#790) 1912 Tudor S. Rogers/Martin Melhorn Residence at 4060 Alameda Drive. He also built thirteen 1912-1915 bungalows between Fort Stockton Drive and West Washington Place /Lark Street and Ingalls Street in the Arnold and Choate’s Addition Block #59 including the designated (#318) Melhorn-King Residence at 1302 Washington Place. The mostly intact city block features rustic Craftsman bungalows with cobblestone and brick chimneys, porches and porch piers. During this same time, Melhorn build model Craftsman houses along Sunset Boulevard in the new 1909 Inspiration Heights subdivision, including historically designated (1911) Henry H. Nelson house at 1955 Sunset Boulevard. Melhorn also built two houses in 1913 on Sunset Boulevard and Alameda Drive.
Later as the Arts and Crafts movement waned following World War One, styles changed; Melhorn became more experimental. He was known as a prolific artist besides being a talented builder. He designed larger residences for leading citizens of San Diego. Some of his experimental designs at this time (late 1910s, early 1920s) included cottages and bungalows in which he incorporated Prairie School, Neoclassical, Colonial Revival and Japanese inspired elements. Melhorn designed two very unique, Greek revival houses in 1917. The house at 1845 Sunset Boulevard reportedly utilized pillars that were left behind after the Panama California Expo after it closed (located in the Mission Hills Historic District, contributor) and then at 1980 Alameda Terrace using a stucco surface that due to the variation in materials reveal completely differently feelings from each other.
Melhorn was among a handful of Mission Hills builders who were responsible for the largest concentration of Prairie School homes in San Diego County. There are over 50 Prairie School homes in Mission Hills by builders such as Alexander Schreiber, Joel Brown, Nathan Rigdon, William Wahrenberger, Joseph Burness, Harry L. Turner and Melhorn.
(See Continuation Sheet)
DPR 523B
State of California ! The Resources Agency Primary # DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI# CONTINUATION SHEET Page 11 of 14 *NRHP Status Code *Resource Name or # Alberta Security Company/Martin V. Melhorn Spec House #6 APN 451-071-15-00 B. 10. Significance (continued) Martin V. Melhorn also designed the 1923 Luther Benjamin Powers plumbing shop at 1705 West Lewis Street (Fort Stockton Line Historic District contributor) and two small bungalows for son Calvin Powers behind the shop along Stephens Street in 1922 (4072 and 4078 Stephens Street).
During Melhorn’s late period, he was also associated with Frank E. Melcher, buying Mission Hills villa lots. William B. Melhorn, a master builder in is own right, built small Spanish Revival homes along Shirley Ann Place (named after his wife), which is now a small historic district.
This house at 3851 Hawk Street is also significant as the an excellent example of master builder Martin V. Melhorn’s later work. He followed a democratic bungalow design aesthetic that was symbolic of the patriotic mood of the nation and also brought a high quality design aesthetic to this block of modest houses along Hawk Street. There are 14 Martin V. Melhorn bungalows along Hawk Street, all built in the early 1920s. Melhorn was designing a small community two blocks south of Washington Street and the short street running west of Hawk Street, Alberta Street, was named after his wife.
Melhorn’s obituary appeared in the August 15, 1925 San Diego Evening Tribune. Melhorn committed suicide at his home at 3839 Hawk Street by gassing himself to death. His wife Alberta was in Los Angeles at the time. According to his son, Martin had been in ill health at the time. Martin’s wife, Alberta died at the age of 85 years in September 1955 while living at 2540 Jackson Street. He left behind an impressive body of work and a partial list is provided in the Appendix for Criteria D.
The following is an analysis of the Alberta Security Company/Martin V. Melhorn Spec House #6 to demonstrate how it meets the Secretary of the Interior Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties,
1. Location. The house has not been moved from its original location as shown by the 1921, 1940s and 1950s Sanborn Fire Insurance Map. The Location is Excellent.
2. Design. The house is a Colonial Revival Craftsman bungalow style. It features a symmetrical simple rectangular massing with clipped gables and a low-hipped roof with a central original front door flanked by two sets French doors. The house has features a character-defining Colonial Revival front portico entry, which is supported by two Tuscan round columns, the porch roof features a prominent eyebrow or seagull pediment with decorative wood vents. There is a smaller matching eyebrow dormer vent in the middle of the front façade roof. The siding is original shiplap, the roof eaves are moderately overhanging. There are sets of matching double-hung windows on the north and south elevations.
There is a rebuilt red brick chimney on the north façade. According to the owner who replaced the chimney, in 1993, it was falling down and replaced with a brick chimney. Although it is often common to have a stepped chimney design, this chimney is one solid mass with no variation in the planes. When queried, there was no recollection by the craftsman who replaced the chimney or the original owner that the profile of the chimney was changed. The eaves were cut to include straps as building codes requires this to meet sceimic standards. Transitional photogrpahs of the top of the chimney show that it retained the same design and shape from the roofline up using brick instead of stucco. Based upon this limited evidence it is unlikely that the chimney originally had a stepped form because of the width of the top of the chimney and the care taken to replicate the shape of top of the chimney expecting that this level of care to capture the essence of the design was applied to the base of the chinmey.
(See Continuation Sheet)
DPR 523B
State of California ! The Resources Agency Primary # DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI# CONTINUATION SHEET Page 12 of 14 *NRHP Status Code *Resource Name or # Alberta Security Company/Martin V. Melhorn Spec House #6 APN 451-071-15-00 B. 10. Significance (continued)
The rear or east elevation has a set of original double-hung windows, three non-original jalousie windows in their original spaces in the rear as well as a original back or rear door. The siding flairs outward at its bottom just above the original concrete foundation. There is an addition (likely 1994, differentiated by its sliding windows).The 1997 guest house/office that is attached to the garage is not part of this designation nomination. Overall, the Design; shape, bulk, scale, height and design of the house reflects excellent Integrity.
3. Setting. The house is in the potential Marine View Historic District, the 2015 Uptown Community Plan Area Draft Historic Resources Survey Report lists the house as a contributor to this proposed historic district. This potential historic districts is comprised of 340 properties, 231 contributing and 109 non- contributing. This potential historic district is mainly comprised of smaller single-family Craftsman and Spanish Revival residences. Most of the bungalows along Hawk Street and nearby Alberta Street are in good shape, overall, the landscape and neighborhood with fourteen Melhorn designed houses on the block provide an Excellent Setting.
4. Materials. Materials appear to be mostly made with organic materials and are largely original. The window frames are wood and are original as well as tongue and groove bead boards on the porch entry ceiling The front door with minimal detail, French doors are all original. The attached garage is not original according to the 1921 Sanborn Maps. The garage lies to the southern side of the property in the rear, its garage door is newer. The redwood siding around the house is all original. The single step up from the sidewalk as well as the walkway and the three steps leading to the original concrete front porch are newer but historically scored. Before the chimney was rebuilt in 1993, it was covered with stucco and rebuilt with oversized red bricks. Otherwise, the materials retain a significant degree of their original integrity or have been replaced in kind to adhere to Interior Secretary Standards for Restoration. The Materials aspect is Very Good.
5. Workmanship. The house exhibits excellent craftsmanship in the redwood shiplap siding, the character defining side-gable clipped gambrel hipped roof with its eyebrow portico entry, wood vents and two Colonial Revival Tuscan neo-classical round columns with capped capitals and the smaller eyebrow dormer vent on the front façade roof. Double-hung wood windows, French doors, small fixed windows, are all markings of the craftsmanship from the era. Though the interior is not part of the designation it also embodies the open floor plan and Craftsman built-ins, brick fireplace, dining room sideboard, crown molding in the living and dining rooms, and interior window trim and door casings and oak floors that reflects the early 1920s Craftsman period and are all consistent with the early 20th century styles. Overall, the Workmanship aspect is Excellent.
6. Feeling. The overall feeling of the house at 3851 Hawk Street is that of a Colonial Revival bungalow that fits into the streetcar neighborhood of the 1920s. The 1920 Colonial Revival bungalow fits into the mostly 1920s neighborhood of bungalow and Spanish Revival single-family residences. There are at least 14 Martin V. Melhorn bungalows in the immediate neighborhood. The overall integrity remains mostly intact. While there have been some changes since the early 20th century, the overall presence on the street would be nearly identical to someone walking along the street today as it would have been during the original building period. The 1920 Colonial Revival Craftsman bungalow has excellent Feeling.
7. Association. Martin V. Melhorn, a master builder, built the house at 3851 Hawk Street. The residents were all very interesting in their own right, however none rise to the level of Significant Person according to the City of San Diego. The Association integrity is Excellent. (See Continuation Sheet)
DPR 523B
State of California ! The Resources Agency Primary # DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI# CONTINUATION SHEET Page 13 of 14 *NRHP Status Code *Resource Name or # Alberta Security Company/Martin V. Melhorn Spec House #6 APN 451-071-15-00
The Colonial Revival Craftsman bungalow at 3851 Hawk Street meets six “excellent” integrity values under the National Register Guidelines. This constitutes integrity significant for landmarking under Criterion C and D.
*B12. References: Books Architectural Guidebook to Los Angeles, Robert Winter. City of San Diego and San Diego County, The Birthplace of California. By Clarence Alan McGrew (1922). American Historical Society. Mission Hills, Images Across America”, by Allen Hazard and Janet O’Dea, Arcadia Publishing, March 2, 2015. ISBN-10: 1-4671-3268-8. San Diego City Directories, City and County, San Diego. Virginia and Lee McAlester, A Field Guide to American Homes.
Maps Goggle Maps 1921, 1956 Sandborn Fire Maps, California Room, San Diego Public Library City of San Diego 800 scale maps.
Photos and Photo Archives Present Day Photographs: Allen Hazard Historic and Transitional Photographs, Deb Dominici Transitional Photographs courtesy, Brian Sanders San Diego History Center Photograph Collection
Historic Reports 2015. Historic Nomination of the William Joel Butler House, 1225 Fort Stockton Drive San Diego CA 92103, by Allen Hazard and Janet O’Dea, submitted to the City of San Diego on June 1, 2015. 2007. Historic Nomination of the John F. Forward Jr. House, 4144 Lark Street San Diego CA 92103, by Allen Hazard and Janet O’Dea, submitted to the City of San Diego on November 19, 2007. 2006. Historic Nomination of the Tudor S. Rogers/Martin V. Melhorn House, 4060 Alameda Drive San Diego CA 92103, by Allen Hazard and Janet O’Dea, submitted to the City of San Diego on October 2006.
Government Documents County of San Diego, Assessor, Mapping Division archive records, deeds and miscellaneous records. Residential Building Records, Subdivison map, County of San Diego Water and Sewer Records: Permits application records - City of San Diego U.S. Census Records, 1890, 1900, 1910, 1920, 1930, 1940
Booklets, Newspapers and Magazines Daily Alaska Dispatch, May 21, 1910, Albert A. and Lillian Gabbs wedding announcement. Sam Diego Union Tribune, June 27, 1918, Albert A. Gabbs Senior obi. San Diego Transcript June 25, 1920 – Building permit notice San Diego Union Tribune, August 25, 1925, Martin V. Melhorn obi. San Diego Union Tribune, June 21, 1927, Emerson Moore party. San Diego Union Tribune, December 25, 1928, Herbert Klein lawsuit. San Diego Union Tribune, March 16, 1929, Herbert vs. Corine Klein divorce case. San Diego Union Tribune, August 5, 1930, Herbert W. Klein remarries. San Diego Union Tribune, June 29, 1942, Paul Worland obi. San Diego Union Tribune, July 10. 1958, Lillian Gabbs obi. San Diego Union Tribune, May 31, 1962, Albert Gabbs named Salk Fund Drive. (See Continuation Sheet)
DPR 523B
State of California ! The Resources Agency Primary # DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI# CONTINUATION SHEET Page 14 of 14 *NRHP Status Code *Resource Name or # Alberta Security Company/Martin V. Melhorn Spec House #6 APN 451-071-15-00
*B12. References continued:
Interview Jerry McHenry regarding Melhorn Construction Company by Janet O’Dea, January 2004. James Crawford, Authentice Fireplaces, Telephone Interview by Allen Hazard Janaury 2017
Websites American Bungalow online, “What Style if My Bungalow” American Bungalow Style, by Robert Winter and Alexander Vertikoff; Simon and Schuster. 1996. Ancestry.com City of South Pasadena. www.ci.south-pasadena.ca.us/modules/showdocument Colonial Revival Architecture and House Facts and History, www.wentworthstudio.com Contested Skies: Trans-Australian Airlines, by John Gunn, online. Richard Learman. History of University Heights, www.uhcdc.org Legacy 106 PowerPoint Presentation on Colonial Revival, 2016 Mission Hills Heritage Newsletter online. The Legacy of Martin V. Melhorn in Mission Hills, by Ron May, 2012, volume 7. Mission Hills Heritage Newsletter online, Stalemate at Loma Pass, Martin V. Melhorn article by Ron May, 2014, volume 9 San Diego Metro online; The Many Homes of Edward F. Bryans, by Katherine Hon. Unknown date. San Diego Union online, Alfred Gabs obituary, December 13, 2004. USGS maps - Store.usgs.gov/b2c_usgs/b2c/start/(acme=r3standardpitrex_prd)/.do Torrey Pines Gliderport, Arcadia Publishing, by Gary B. Fogel. Al Gabbs. Unpublished Proposed Hawk Street/Alberta Place Historic District, October 2002, Deb Dominici Uptown Historic Architectural and Cultural Landscape Reconnaissance Survey, Ione Stiegler and Vonn Marie May. Uptown Community Plan Update, Draft Historic Context Statement, October 2010. http://www.sandiego.gov/planning/community/profiles/uptown/pdf/201010uptownhistoriccontext.pdf Uptown Survey: http://www.sandiego.gov/planning/programs/historical/pdf/Uptown/09chapter3.pdf Uptown Historic Context and Oral History Report. www.sandiego.gov/planning /community/pfd. Uptown Community Plan Update, Public Review Draft, June 2015. http://www.sandiego.gov/planning/community/profiles/uptown/pdf/his.pdf Uptown Community Plan Area Draft Historic Resources Survey Report (November 2015) http://www.sandiego.gov/planning/community/profiles/uptown/pdf/1511uptowndraftsurvey.pdf Who’s Who among the Women of California; online, Lillian M. Gabbs.
Miscellaneous L.B. Powers & Son Plumbing Co. Inc. Power Walks, Walking Tours, by Allen Hazard, 2010. Mission Hills Heritage Home Tour, September 13, 2014. Unpublished Calvary Cemetery Walking Tour Booklet by Allen Hazard, February 2011. Deb Dominici, email correspondence with Janet O’Dea, February 8, 2017, and February 19, 2017
DPR 523B
A.1 Assessors Record
✤ A.2 Notice of Completion - none found
✤ A. 3 Water Record - none found.
✤ Sewer Record
Owner Alberta Security Company September 29, 1920
Douglas was the name of what is now University Ave. A. 4 Building Construction Permits
Building Permit Notice San Diego Transcript June 25, 1920 the day before the deed was recorded. 1931 Roof Permit notice Evening Tribune San Diego Union Electric permit notice January 29, 1936 Water heater Permit April 26, 1967 November 9, 1993 Replacement Fireplace February 25, 1994 Electrical permit July 16, 1997 Guest House/Office A. 5 Site Plan concrete block fence
Garage Office wood fence wood fence
Deck
House
Porch driveway lawn lawn
concrete side walk
3851 Hawk Street Site Plan 0 5 10 20 30 40 A. 6 County Lot and Block Book
In 1919, Dr. Henry G. Leisenring paid taxes on the land. By 1921 taxes were assessed on the House in the amount of $1000.00 to Herbert W. Klein. A. 7 Draft Survey forms
2015 Uptown Community Plan Update - Draft Historic Surveys listed as part of the Marine View Historic District.
Attachment B Ownership and Occupant Information
B.1 – Chain of Title B.2 – Directory Search of Occupants B.3 – Deed from the Date of Construction
B.1 Chain of Title
Grantor Grantee Year Document #
Dr. Henry G. Alberta Security Company June 26, 1920 Book 812, Page 256 Leisenring The Sewer record was dated September 20, 1920 Alberta Security Herbert W. and Clorine F. July 22, 1924 Book 1019, Page 326 Company (Corrine) Klein Society of U.S. Timothy G and Bessie H. Dec. 31, 1935 Book 463, Page 96 Equitable Life Mackey Insurance Timothy G. and Bessie Augustin Burkhart March 27, 1943 Book 1488, page 22 H. Mackey
Augustin Burkhart Mary O’Reilly Feb. 16, 1945 Book 1824, Page162
Mary O’Reilly Hattie M. Maas May 25, 1959 Book 7680, Page 407
Hattie M. Maas Lora Lee McPherson and June 2, 1967 1967-79069 Matthew McPherson Lora Lee McPherson Norma Jean Rucker June 14, 1988 1988-283174 and Matthew McPherson Norma Jean Rucker Debra A. Dominici Nov. 9, 1993 1993-752442
Debra A. Dominici Montinee J. Pongsiri and Brian January 5, 2016 2016-0004161 Sanders B.2 Directory Search of Occupants
Names Year Comments
Herbert W. and Clorine or 1921 to 1929 Herbert and Clorine (Corrine) Klein moved from 1545 2nd Avenue. Herbert’s profession Corrine Klein was listed as a salesman for the Worth Company. The Klein’s divorced in 1928. Howard Klein moved to 2244 First Avenue in 1930. Emerson L. and Pauline E. Moore 1930 Moore Reliable Optical Service & Optometrist 932 5th Avenue.
Vacant 1931 Paul J. and Margaret Worland 1932 Paul was a lawyer with an office at 524 B Street, Room 508. Margaret was a secretary for NJ Martin.
Lillian M. Gabbs (widow) 1933 Lillian was listed as a bookkeeper with City Schools.
Lillian M. Gabbs, Albert Gabbs 1935 Lillian was listed as an accountant with City Schools, Her son Albert is listed as an artist. Lillian Gabbs moved to 3515 4th Avenue.
Frank A. and Esther M. Learman 1936 to 1939 Frank is listed as assistant to the manager, Consolidated Aircraft Corp. In 1940, the Learmans moved to 3330 Dumas. Benjamin F. and Dorothy Wells 1940 to 1942 Benjamin was listed as a policeman with San Diego Police Department
Katherine, Augustin and Fred 1943 Katherine and Augustin are sister and brother. Augustin is listed as a clerk with SDERy Burkhard
Mary F. O’Reilly 1944-1945 Mary is listed with various professions, including nurse, maid and housekeeper and moved back to the house in 1953. Jason H. and Evelyn H. 1947/48 to Jason is listed as a clerk. Nicholson 1952
Mary F. O’Reilly 1953 to 1957 Mary is listed with various professions, including nurse, maid and housekeeper.
William A. and Myrtle E. Hales 1958 William was a Plumber.
Myrtle E. Hales 1959 to1966 Widow
Hattie Maas 1967 to 1986 Widow (Joseph), employee San Diego Zoo
Debra A. Dominici 2002 Cultural Resource Specialist
Montinee Pongsiri and Brian 2016 - Banker and Consultant Sanders present B.3 Deeds
Herbert and Clorine Klein were already living at 3851 Hawk Street on July 24, 1924 Deed to Montinee Pongsiri and Brian Sanders recorded January 5, 2016
Attachment C Maps
C.1 – City of San Diego 800 Scale Engineering Map C.2 – Current and Historical USGS Maps C.3 – Original Subdivision Map C.4 – Sanborn Maps 1886/1887 1906 1921 1940 1950 1956
C.1 City of San Diego 800 Scale Map
3851 Hawk Street
N C. 2 Historical USGS Map
3851 Hawk Street
N C. 2 Current USGS Map
N
3851 Hawk Street
Attachment D Photographs
D.1 – Historical Photographs D.2 – Current Photographs
D. 1 Historical Photographs
Aerial looking North enlarged and cropped
San Diego History Center c. 1925. San Diego History Center c. 1925. Deb Dominici obtained these circa 1920s photos from a prior owner. Photographs courtesy Deb Dominici Photograph by Deb Dominici submitted to the City of San Diego on a DPR form in 2002 Deb Dominici replaced the roof and replaced the chimney that was falling down. Photographs 1993, courtesy of Deb Dominici Brian Sanders side-by-side comparison of the chimney show it is close to the same shape, width and height above the roofline.
Circa 1975 photographs compared with current photograph of the chimney from the roofline up. Photographs courtesy Brian Sanders D. 2 Current Photographs West Elevation West Elevation West Elevation South Elevation East Elevation East Elevation North Elevation Guest House/Office and Garage Interior Built -ins Interior Details Other Alberta Security Company/Martin V. Melhorn built houses on Hawk Street as they stand today.
3839 Hawk Street 3811 Hawk Street
Attachment E HRB Criteria Supplemental Documentation
E.1 – Criterion A E.2 – Criterion B E.3 – Criterion C E.4 – Criterion D E.5 – Criterion E E.6 – Criterion F
Criterion A − Informational
Criterion A: Exemplifies or reflects special elements of the City's, a community's, or a neighborhood's, historical, archaeological, cultural, social, economic, political, aesthetic, engineering, landscaping or architectural development.
Mission Valley once extended due west and forked south about two miles out into what is now the Pacific Ocean. For in those ancient times, glaciers sucked seawater north and the ocean level lay at least thirty feet lower than it is today. Within the past 8,000 years, melting glaciers have changed the native landscape and people began changing the land. Such was the changing landscape at the time the Kumeyaay, Kwaimi, Cocopah, Pai Pai, and other tribal groups that first learned of Spanish explorers in the Arizona deserts. Word traveled fast, but people were not ready for European philosophical and political conquest. Nor were they prepared for the onslaught of disease and culture shock that would forever change their ancient ways of life.
In 1769, The Spanish built a presidio and the first mission, Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcalá. The arrival of Spanish soldiers and Franciscan priests changed annual seasonal transhumance land use patterns, but native people adapted and simply kept out of their way. Only the fertile river valleys along the coast were essentially denied native people. Spanish authorities contained their populations in fortified towns. These were primarily limited to the Royal Presidio de Cosoy, about one mile west of Mission Hills, and the Mission San Diego De Alcalá. Spanish cattle wandered the uplifted marine sediment mesas and quite possibly denuded mixed chaparral, vernal pools and coastal sage scrub habitat. Mexican ranchers expanded up into the hills to plant horticulture, orchards, and vines and the feral cattle, goats, pigs and sheep increased. Residential expansion oriented toward San Diego Bay and Mission Valley, where fresh water and food resources were more plentiful.
In 1850, following the Mexican War of 1846, the State of California formed the Common Council of the City of San Diego. Based on the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1852, the Common Council hired land surveyor Charles Poole to mark the boundaries of the enormous tract of land set aside for the City of San Diego, known as Pueblo Lands. The Common Council approved a subdivision of those Pueblo Lands into Pueblo Lots and began to auction the lots to raise funds to operate the City of San Diego. Americans and former Mexican citizens bought property in those auctions and cleared native brush for various kinds of farming, horticulture, and plant nurseries. At the end of the 19th century, the poorest quality areas, such as the dry mesas, were left alone.
Arnold and Choate’s In 1872, Cyrus Arnold, an attorney and real estate developer, and Daniel Choate, a dry goods merchant, purchased and subdivided another tract that eventually became identified with the area now known as Mission Hills. The area is bounded by University Avenue to the south, Randolph Street on the west, Curlew Street to the east, and Arbor Drive to the north. This was known as Arnold and Choates, Subdivision Map #334 and was filed on November 29, 1872. At this time no homes had been constructed in the area.
Daniel L. Choate was born on September 9, 1826 in Kennebec County Maine to an old and prominent New England family. He arrived in California before his 20th birthday by way of Panama from Augusta, Maine. He first went to San Francisco for a short time before moving to Los Angeles in 1849 and later to San Diego. He lived at 940 State Street. Choate was one of the early citizens of San Diego who brought about the construction of the first railroad to the city. He was also one of five original founders of the San Diego Chamber of Commerce. Choate was first engaged in mining and thereafter attempted a combination of dry goods merchandising and mining. He eventually was described as a real estate tycoon, second to only Alonzo Horton in San Diego. In 1877, they filed the Arnold & Choates Addition, Subdivision map #384, also in Criterion A − Informational present day Mission Hills. In 1877, Choate was appointed San Diego’s postmaster. He was later reappointed to the post in 1883. He was also responsible for the laying out of sections of University Heights and East San Diego (City Heights). He died April 6, 1899 at the age of 72 years.
In1878, the first real estate board of San Diego was organized by Cyrus Arnold. It was known as the Real Estate Association of San Diego. In 1905, a new board was formed, the San Diego Realty Board. Percy H. Goodwin was its first president.
When these subdivisions were formed they were generally considered remote and did not offer much promise in terms of development and therefore, most of the area was undeveloped for decades.
Meanwhile, San Diego’s seat of government relocated from Old Town to downtown and after the turn of the 20th century. San Diego boosters promoted the region as a place for those seeking health, escaping bad weather or for those looking for development opportunities.
The bungalow at 3851 Hawk Street lies within the Re-subdivision of Block 482 of C.C. Seaman’s Subdivision dated July 1912. This includes the southern half of the block, bounded by Hawk Street, Bush Street and Goldfinch Street and is a small area. Most of the homes along Hawk Street and Alberta Place were built between 1918 and 1929 with a few added in the 1930s. Alberta Place was named for Martin V. Melhorn’s wife, Alberta. The Melhorns lived at 3839 Hawk Street from 1922 until Melhorn’s death in 1925. Melhorn’s daughter, Shirley Ann, lived at 3811 Alberta Place. This block lies in what has been identified as the proposed Marine View Historic District but is more commonly called, “South Mission Hills”.
A Brief History of Mission Hills The story of modern Mission Hills begins with three seminal figures, Sarah Johnston Cox Miller, Kate Sessions and George Marston. Sarah Miller’s stepfather Captain Henry Johnston was the captain of the S.S. Orizaba. The Orizaba was a wooden side-wheel steamer ship nicknamed the “Mayflower of the West”. Johnston steered the ship up and down the California coast, bringing newcomers to San Diego. In 1869, Johnston was captivated by a piece of land he may have seen from his ship and bought 65 acres on a high plot of land above San Diego Bay. This would eventually become Mission Hills. The captain died before building his home here. In 1887, his stepdaughter, Sarah Miller came to San Diego and filed the subdivision map for Johnston Heights and in 1886 built a magnificent Victorian house, known as the Villa Orizaba after the ship.
In 1903, after losing her Balboa Park lease, horticulturalist and “Mother of Balboa Park” Kate Sessions and her brother Frank Sessions began buying up property in what was then known as North Florence Heights to establish her nursery business. She chose land near West Lewis Street and Stephens Street for both her nursery and growing grounds. It featured rich soil, moist sea breezes. They built lath and packinghouses at the north end of Lark Street, relocating them a few years later to where Grant Elementary School lies today. From these sites, poinsettias were grown, packed and shipped throughout North America. In 1922, Sessions sold the nursery to Giuseppe and Pasquale Antonicelli; and in 1925, they moved it to its present site on Fort Stockton Drive.
The Nolan Plan Around 1905, George Marston, a prominent businessman and progressive civic leader, brought John Nolan to San Diego to develop the first City Plan as had been done for big eastern cities like New York as well as over 450 small and large cities across America. The Nolan Plan concepts found their basis in the City Beautiful Movement of the late 19th century. At about the Criterion A − Informational same time, alarmed that enormous tracts of land were sold for private development, the Common Council had the vision and foresight to set aside some Pueblo Lots for future public use. Lots were reserved for cemetery and park lands.
Nolen produced a small book and maps that outlined planned use of both Pueblo Lands and private property by ordinances to be enforced by the City of San Diego. Nolan wrote in his Comprehensive Plan of 1908 that “Not withstanding its advantages…San Diego is today neither interesting nor beautiful. Its city plan is not thoughtful, but on the contrary, ignorant and wasteful”. Nolan noticed that there were few contour streets in San Diego and often times the method of building city streets required cutting through hills and filling in of deep valleys and canyons. “It has meant great and much uncalled-for expense and a destruction of a rare opportunity to secure significant beauty.
Concerning the manner in which San Diego streets were laid out at the time, Nolan wrote, “The most glaring and serious…is the attempt to implant a rectangular system, almost unrelieved by diagonals, on so irregular a topography”. Among Nolan’s recommendations for San Diego was that there should be wider residential streets for the “…bigger and handsomer homes that are now being built” In his summary, Nolan quotes Robert S. Peabody when describing how streets should be laid out “…main roads may be interesting which curve or wind…not to have the main arteries all straight.” The Nolen Plan of 1908 met stiff resistance from opposing philosophical power bosses on the Common Council who prevented adoption of the City Plan and ordinance.
Although the Nolan Plan and was never formally adopted, it clearly influenced laying out the original subdivision map of Mission Hills. Progressive Party businessmen, bonded by family and financial ties, countered this failure by private acquisition of Mission Hills and design of their own communities to carry out their vision for the future. George W. Marston and his extended family, the Hamiltons, the Kellys and Gunns formed small corporations to purchase land, hire land surveyors, engineers, and title companies, and market land to like-minded people.
In 1907, Percy H. Goodwin, George Marston and others organized a syndicate buying up 60 acres for $36,000 adjoining the north end of Sarah Miller’s property (along Sunset Boulevard). On January 20,1908, Marston, along with family members Tom and Charles S. Hamilton, Hotel Del Coronado developer Elisha S. Babcock, Kelly Investment Company and co-investors John F., James D. Forward filed Subdivision Map #1115, composed of 22 acres. They called their new subdivision Mission Hills, reflecting Nolan’s suggestion that San Diego embrace its “…romantic history…. and give happy recognition to its topography”. The location was close to the original site of the San Diego Presidio and the 1769 Mission San Diego de Alcala, known as the “birthplace of California” and “Plymouth Rock of the West”.
Marston’s syndicate hired Frank A. Rhodes to survey the land and New York architect George Cook laid out the tract. Cook used the ideals from Nolan’s plan, such as following the topography of hilltops and deep ravines for streets, which were left undisturbed for the purposes of recreation, scenic enjoyment and open space. There is a hierarchy to the street pattern whereby they serve different functions. Queen Palms were planted along Sunset Boulevard to “dress the street… but avoid shading the homes”. The early developers intended to make Mission Hills one of the most exclusive neighborhoods in San Diego. It was a restricted subdivision, requiring that homes cost at least $3,000 to build, when the average worker earned ten dollars per week.
An early Mission Hills real estate promotion pamphlet stated: “At your feet lies the harbor its mirror of amethyst held safe from the surges of the outer sapphire sea by the gigantic elbow of Criterion A − Informational
Point Loma and the long low reaches of Coronado, whose gleaming line is fretted by the picturesque towers of the world-famed hotel and the aboriginal-looking thatched roofs of Tent City. Upon the brow of Point Loma rises the shaft of the Bennington Monument and hid under its sides the great guns of Fort Rosecrans. Far out upon the rim of sapphire looms the surprising triplet of lonely peaks known as the Coronado Rocks, while to the south and east tumble the glorious mountains, purple and vast and solemn, linked in sublime skyline, from Table Mountain away off in old Mexico, to the glittering icy coronet of San Jacinto towering some four score leagues to the north, above the royal purple masses of Palomar. Then, looking to the west, you see first, the little ‘Old Town’ of San Diego and the hamlet of Pacific Beach, then Mission Bay separated from the ocean by a silvery strand which the breakers are constantly pounding and foaming”.
In September 1909, Johnston Heights was re-subdivided by Harry L. Miller, (the son of Sarah Johnston Cox Miller) and it was renamed Inspiration Heights, Map #1212. Inspiration Heights was a more appealing name and promotional materials were created that attracted newcomers. The old street names Johnston Avenue, Dunkirk Avenue, Jerome Avenue, William Street and Leverett Street were renamed Sunset Boulevard, Orizaba Avenue, Bandini Street, Alameda Drive and Loma Pass.
At the time, the areas were mostly barren with the exception of a citrus grove on Trias Street, olive and lemon orchards on Fort Stockton Drive and Jackdaw Street, Calvary Cemetery (now located within Calvary Pioneer Memorial Park), Kate Sessions’ nursery and a few dairy and chicken farms.
In 1907, Sessions and Alice Rainford sought support from John D. Spreckels, the owner of the San Diego Electric Railway Company, to extend the electric trolley line from First Avenue to Washington Street. While Session’s new growing grounds proved to be fertile, she found that it was too remote from her customers. In 1908, Sessions succeeded in convincing Spreckels to extend the Route 3 trolley line and by 1909 it stopped at West Lewis and Stephens Streets, right in front of her nursery.
Martin Melhorn and other builders came to San Diego after July 9, 1909 announcement for the 1915 Panama Pacific Exposition, which drew builders from around the country to San Diego. This announcement created a building boom with the area mostly developed as the United States entered World War Two.
In 1909, the Mission Hills United Methodist Church was formed in a small “old wooden” building at the corner of Falcon Street and West University Avenue. Needing a larger space, architect William E. Gibb designed a Mission Revival church at Lark Street and Fort Stockton Drive for $13,500. It was completed in 1914. It features outstanding art glass from the Pasadena firm, Judson Art Studio. In 1910, Saint Vincent de Paul Catholic Church was built as a Mission Revival church at Hawk Street; unfortunately it was demolished in 1968. The Mission Hills Congregational Church, now the United Church of Christ, began in 1911 in a little, redwood board and batten bungalow chapel along Fort Stockton Drive and Jackdaw Street. In 1921, Louis Gill designed a larger Craftsman style church.
The Mission Revival 1912 Montclaire and Rigdon Apartment building became the centerpiece of the West Lewis shopping district. Nathan Rigdon and Morris B. Irvin built it for $12,000 as a mixed-use building.
So the population boom continued and Mission Hills began to grow. The Panama Pacific International Exposition (1915-1916) brought over 3,000,000 people to San Diego. Many people, who visited the Exposition returned to San Diego to live, work, invest and retire. In, 1919, Criterion A − Informational
Spreckel’s San Diego and Eastern Railway expanded and in 1921, the Naval Training Center and the Marine Corp Recruiting Depot were established.
Along Washington Street, the 1912 Griswold Building and the 1927 Spanish Revival Florence Apartments anchored local businesses. The 1952 modernized Mission Hills Shopping Center was an important shopping center for the community with a Piggly Wiggly, Ace Drug Store and about twenty other businesses. Powers Plumbing was established in 1914 downtown by Luther B. Powers. In 1917, Powers Plumbing moved the shop to West Lewis Street and in 1923 commissioned Martin V. Melhorn to build a Spanish Revival building on the corner of West Lewis and Stephens Street.
Clara Sturgis Johnson came to San Diego from the University of Chicago. She followed the progressive educational philosophies of Colonel Francis Parker and in 1912 established the Francis Parker School. Her husband, architect William Templeton Johnson designed it. In 1914, Ulysses S. Grant Elementary School opened. By 1921 it was a beautiful Mission Revival building but was demolished in 1974 and awaits another major remodel.
In 1920, Martin and Alberta Melhorn as Alberta Security Company purchased the land at 3851 Hawk Street with other lots and proceeded to build houses for newcomers to the area as a speculative venture.
In 1933, San Diego Union columnist Oscar Cotton noted: “It took optimism to visualize $3,500 homes in this inaccessible, wind-swept district, miles from the nearest street car line, through the greasewood and dust, in places a foot deep.” So advertising helped create some imagery for prospective purchasers. Some advertising stated that Mission Hills was the “Most desirable residence tract in all California” and it was “Just the Right Distance from Business – 12 minutes from U.S. Grant Hotel by Auto and 20 minutes by Cars”
Mission Hills would play a role during World War Two with many residents doubling up with Navy personal as housing was in great demand. Many residents worked at nearby Consolidated Aircraft. Balboa Park’s Fine Arts Gallery moved temporarily to the 1912 Milo C. Treat mansion (demolished) on Sunset Boulevard as Balboa Park was taken over for military training during the war.
Other Mission Hills Subdivisions Other prominent Mission Hills subdivisions included Middletown Addition (1870), North Florence Heights (1890), Mission Hills #2 (1910), Allen Terrace (1913), Presidio Ridge (1923) and Presidio Hills (1926). Mission Hills would continue to evolve over the next 40 years as it added more subdivisions including: Marine View 1909, Floral Place 1910, Crestline 1911, South Florence Heights 1911, C.C. Seaman’s Subdivision 1912, Fort Stockton Heights 1912, Franklin Court 1912, Freemont Heights 1912, Royal Heights 1912, South Florence Heights 1912, Allen Terrace 1913, Avalon Heights 1913, Presidio Ridge 1923, Aloha Court 1924, Longview Manor 1925, Plumose Terrace 1925, Presidio Hills 1926, Randolph Terrace 1927, Burnett Addition 1951, Mira Dera 1955, Randolph Terrace, Florence Heights,, Rodefer Hills View Point 1953, Mira Dera 1955 and others.
Mission Hills is in close proximity to two parks rich in San Diego history. To the west lies Presidio Park, originally, home to the Kumeyaay people. In 1907, George Marston, appreciating the importance of the site, purchased the land to preserve it. In 1925 he began to develop the park and had William Templeton Johnson design the Serra Museum. In 1929, he donated it to the City of San Diego.
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In 1970, Calvary Pioneer Memorial Park was established after the city closed Calvary Cemetery. In 1873, Father Antonio Ubach dedicated Calvary Cemetery. Thousands of Catholics were laid to rest there including Old Town pioneers such as Cave Johnson Couts, the Altamirano and Serrano families, Juanita Wrightington, and aviation pioneer Charles Francis Walsh. Father Ubach was also laid to rest there with other Catholic priests, over 60 Civil War veterans, those in the potter’s field and about 200 infants. Burials continued until 1960. Though the markers were removed, this site remains a burial ground for thousands of souls. Parts of the 1939 WPA adobe wall, that once surrounded the cemetery can still be observed today.
Mission Hills has been written about in novels and seen in movies. The 1953 book entitled The Corpus of Joe Bailey by Oakley Hall was a semi-fictional novel set in Mission Hills. The opening scene of the 2000 film Almost Famous was shot along Arden Way. Mission Hills continues to be an upscale community that celebrates its rich architectural heritage. Locals value the graceful old houses and businesses thrive here.
Many historic sites have been lovingly restored and preserved. In 2007, the City of San Diego designated Mission Hills and Fort Stockton Line Historic Districts, which included over 175 houses and businesses. In June 2014, 99 additional homes were added to the Mission Hills Historic District. The story of Mission Hills and the people who live here continues onward. The dynamic community ambiance embodies a unique sense of history and romantic beginnings at a depth that is irresistible to natives, newcomers and visitors alike. Criterion B − Informational
Criterion B: identified with persons or events significant in local, state or national history
In 1921, the first residents at 3851 Hawk Street were Herbert William and Clorine or Corrine. Klein. According the 1900 U.S. Census, Herbert’s father was Frederick W. and he arrived in the United States in 1882 from Germany. He was a minister and his married to Lovisa F. Klein. Herbert’s mother was born in Iowa. Herbert was age 13 and lived with his brothers and sisters. Celia A. age 15; Elvara L. Age 14, Elsie A. age 11; Luella F. age 9; and Carens C. age 6.
According Herbert Klein’s 1917 World War One Draft Registration, he was born on July 19, 1886 in Owatonna, Minnesota. In 1917,Herbert was married and his occupation was listed as a salesman with Lyon Clothing Store in San Diego.
According to the 1920 U.S. Census, Herbert’s wife was Corrine and she was born about 1897. Her father was born in Arkansas and her mother in Kansas. The Klein’s had a son William who was born in California. Herbert Klein married Corrine in July 1914. According to the 1921 City Directory, the Kleins moved from 1545 Second Avenue to 3851 Hawk Street. Herbert’s profession was listed as a salesman for the Worth Company.
The Worth Company started in December 1918 by Howard F. Worth. Worth was a wholesale and retail business, men’s and boy’s clothing and furnishings store.
On September 13, 1928 Herbert and Corrine took out a mortgage from the Society of Equitable Life Assurance secured by two properties including the house at 3851 Hawk Street. On Christmas Day 1928, Herbert sued R.P. Low, stating that he had “won away” his wife, Corrine. In court, Corrine stated that she divorced her husband after nearly two years of him treating her “distantly”. The court dismissed the $100,000 lawsuit in March 1929 after Corrine stated in court that she told him to, “…get out or she would throw him out”.
On April 30, 1930, Herbert Klein was declared bankrupt and he lost the house at
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3851 Hawk Street when it was appointed to A.F. Phelps as trustee. Herbert Klein moved to 2244 First Avenue that year as the bankruptcy process wound on during the grips of the Great Depression. According to the 1930 U.S. Census, Herbert was now divorced and was the manager of a men’s clothing store, living at 4985 Pine Street in La Mesa.
According to the 1944 Coronado City Directory, Herbert had remarried. His wife was Mary T. Hiaett and he was still working as a salesman. Herbert Klein died on April 1, 1963 in San Diego.
In 1930, the next residents at 3851 Hawk Street were Emerson Louis and Pauline E. Moore. According to the 1917 World War One Registration, Emerson Moore was born on February 20, 1892 in Detroit, Michigan. According to the 1900 U.S. Census, Emerson was living with his parents, Byron D. and Adah. By 1910, he was working as a clerk. In 1917, he was married to Isabella. According to the 1920 U.S. Census, Emerson and his wife, Isabella were living in Los Angeles, California. Emerson’s father was born in Michigan and his mother was born in New York State. In 1927, the Moore family was living at 1530 Fort Stockton Drive According the 1930 U.S. Census, Emerson was now about 38 years old but and was now married to Pauline. Pauline was about age 28. Emerson was working as an optometrist and Pauline was working in jewelry. Pauline and her father was born in Ohio, her mother was born in Minnesota. According the 1930 City Directory, Emerson was working for Moore Reliable Optical Service as an Optometrist at 932 Fifth Avenue.
1932, the next residents at 3851 Hawk Street were Paul J. and Margaret J. Worland. Paul was born on July 14, 1885. His father was born in Indiana and his mother was born in Illinois. His father’s name was Barney and his mother was Rosy J. Paul had graduated from DePaul University in Chicago, IL. According to the City Directory, Paul was listed as a lawyer with an office at 524 B Street, Room 508 and in
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1932, his wife Margaret is listed as a secretary for NJ Martin. The Worlands later lived at 4014 43th Street. Paul died on June 27, 1942 of a heart attack, leaving behind his wife Margaret and their son, Hugh Allen Worland.
In 1933, the next resident at 3851 Hawk Street was widow Lillian M. Gabbs and her son, Albert Austin Gabbs Jr. Lillian was born on November 24, 1881 in Albany New York and both of her parents were also born in New York. Her maiden name was Adsit. She married her husband in March 9, 1910 in Juneau, Alaska. The Gabbs had moved to San Diego in 1917. Lillian worked as a purchasing agent for the school district. Her husband, Albert A. Gabbs died on June 27, 1918. According to the 1920 U.S. Census, Lillian was age 39 and living with her five- year-old son, Albert Austin Jr. who was born in Alaska. Also living with them is Emma Louise Collins Adsit, Lillian’s mother.
According to the 1930 U.S. Census, Lillian was about 48 years old and living with her son Albert, age 15 and her mother, Emma L. Adsit, age 73. Lillian was working as a deputy with the local school board. In 1932, the City Directory
3 Criterion B − Informational showed Albert listed as an artist and Lillian was listed as a bookkeeper with City Schools. Albert graduated San Diego High School that year. They lived at the bungalow until 1934 or 1935.
Following a short stay at 3851 Hawk Street, the family moved to 3515 Fifth Avenue and later to 4163 Whittier Street. Lillian was listed among the “Who’s Who among the women of California, an annual devoted to the representative women of California, with an authoritative review of their activities in civic, social, athletic, philanthropic, art and music, literary and dramatic circles”. She was later the financial secretary for the downtown YMCA. She died on July 9, 1958 as a result of tuberculosis at the age of 76 years.
Albert or “Al” Gabbs Junior became a civic leader. He was born on July 10, 1914. Following Charles Lindbergh’s return to San Diego in 1930, a number of local glider enthusiasts took to flying off Point Loma and Torrey Pines, including young Al Gabbs. According to his 1990 obituary, Albert spearheaded fund-raising for the March of Dimes, Meals on Wheels and the Salk Institute. He might be best remembered for annually transforming a cedar tree in Balboa Park into a “…shimmering symbol of the holiday season” referring to the annual December Nights celebration formerly Christmas on the Prado.” In the late 1940s, during December Nights, Albert organized several downtown businesses with the Community Christmas Center Committee. They were responsible for topping 20-story buildings with Christmas lights.
After Pearl Harbor, Al joined the Army and trained as an engineer in a camouflage battalion. He saw action at the Battle of the Bulge and earned five battle stars. He left active duty as a major. He later owned the Gabbs Store Equipment business. He lived on Pringle Street in Mission Hills for 50 years. Gabbs was president of the Uptown Association in the 1970s. He was also active in leading the city- owned, semi-abandoned Calvary Cemetery into Pioneer Memorial Park in Mission Hills. His long- time wife Anna Belle Gabbs died on December 5, 2004 in San Diego.
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From about 1936 to 1939 Frank Andrew and Esther Louise Learman lived at 3851 Hawk Street. Frank was born on January 26, 1907 in New York. His father was born in Germany and his mother was born in New York. According to the 1930 U.S. Census, Frank was living in Rochester, New York and was working as an engineer. According to the 1936 City Directory, Frank was an assistant to the manager at Consolidated Aircraft Corp. By the 1940 U.S. Census, Frank was married to Esther, who was about the same age 33 to 34 years old. Ester was also born in New York. They had a son, Richard M., age 2. In the 1940s, Frank was the Convair General Sales Manager and they moved to 3330 Dumas Street. Frank died in January 1983 in Palo Alto.
From about 1940 to 1942, Benjamin Field and Dorothy May Wells lived at 3851 Hawk Street. Benjamin was born on March 3, 1907 in Walla Walla, Washington. His father was Sylvester W.
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Wells and his mother was Lillie May Elster. Benjamin joined the U.S. Navy on November 9, 1925 and was a bungle master. Benjamin and Dorothy filed for a marriage license on November 5, 1931 in San Diego when he was age 24 and she was 25. Dorothy was born in Providence, Connecticut on June 5, 1906. In 1940, while living at 3851 Hawk Street, Benjamin Wells was a police officer with the San Diego Police Department and had children Janet E., age 7, Sally Ann, age 5 and Mary Isabel, age 2. Benjamin retired from the police force in 1955. He earned the rank of lieutenant after serving as head of the police department’s forgery and auto theft detail. After his retirement, he was employed by a wholesale credit organization. The Wells last home was at 5171 Rincon Street. Benjamin died on July 14, 1965 and is buried at Fort Rosecrans cemetery.
In 1943, Katherine, Augustin or Augustine and Fred Burkhard, lived at the bungalow. Katherine and Augustin Burkhard were sister and brother. They were both born in Nebraska. Katherine had an 8th grade education. Augustin was born on September 15, 1880. According to the 1920 U.S. Census, they were living with their mother, Cecilia, age 74 in Missoula, Montana. According to the 1930 U.S. Census, Katherine and Augustin were living on Front Street in San Diego. The exact relationship with Fred could not be found. According to the 1940 U.S. Census,
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Augustine was about 47 years old and working as an accountant for a San Diego baseball park, Katherine was about 43 years old at that time. Augustin died on October 30, 1952.
From 1944-45 Mary F. O’Reilly resided at 3851 Hawk Street and she returned to live there again from 1953 to 1957. Mary was born on January 1, 1887, in Dublin in the Free State of Ireland (as the Republic of Ireland was called at that time). Her mother’s maiden name was Ryan. According to the City Directory, she held various professions, including a maid, housekeeper and nurse.
She completed three years of high school. According to the City Directory, she lived nearby at 3925 Hawk Street and worked as a housekeeper before moving a few doors over in 1944. Mary died on October 22, 1957.
Between 1947 and 1948 and between Mary F. O’Reilly’s two stays, Jason H. and Evelyn H. Nicholson lived at 3851 Hawk Street. In
1952,Jason is listed in the City Directory as a clerk, little additional information was discovered about them.
In 1958, William A. and Myrtle Ellen Hales lived at 3851 Hawk Street. William died June 3, 1958. According to the 1900 U.S. Census, William A. (the “A” did not actually stand for anything) was living in Platte, County Clinton, Missouri and about 15 years old living with his parents William, a farmer and Belle Hales. Belle was born in Indiana. William’s father was
10 Criterion B − Informational born in England. William had a 7th grade education.
According to the 1910 U.S. Census, William A. and his wife, Minnie (about age 23), were living in Tulare, California. His profession was a plumber. According the William’s 1917 World War One Draft Registration, he was born on July 21, 1884. According to the 1920 U.S. Census, William was no longer married and living with his parents, father William age 73 working as a retail merchant and his mother Belle age 68 in St. Joseph, Missouri.
According to the 1940 U.S. Census, William was age 45, working as a plumber. He was married to Myrtle, age 54. They were living in Fresno, California.
Myrtle’s maiden name was Estes. She was born on February 27, 1886 in Missouri and her mother’s maiden name was Cox. Her father was born in Missouri while her mother was born in Kentucky.
According to the 1900 U.S. Census, Myrtle’s father was George R. Estes, retired, age 69 along with Elizabeth age 32 and Emily M. Estes, age 14. According to the 1910 U.S. Census, Myrtle was age 24 working as a clerk in a creamery company living in St. Joseph with Sarah F. Marshall age 50, Lizzie J. Estes age 40, Bessie D. Estes age 30 who worked as a stenographer. According to the 1920 U.S. Census, Myrtle was working as a teacher for the public school system. She was a member of the First Baptist Church and the Ocean Beach Friendly Club. After William passed away, Myrtle continued to live at 3851 Hawk Street until her death on May 30, 1966 at the age of 80 years. Both William and Myrtle are buried at Mount Mora Cemetery, Saint Joseph County Buchanan, Missouri. They had no children.
From 1967 to 1986, Hattie Maas lived at the bungalow on Hawk Street. Hattie was born on November 7, 1902 in Kansas and by 1967 was a widow. Her husband was John P. Maas. According to the 1910 U.S. Census, Hattie Ferguson was living in Great Bend, Kansas, she was living with her father, a 46 year old carpenter and her mother along with brother Joseph F. age 12 and William F., age 5. According to the 1920 U.S.
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Census, Hattie Ferguson was 17 years old and living in Bucklin, County Ford, Kansas. She was living with her 56-year-old father, Andrew M. Ferguson who was born in Ohio and her 43-year-old mother, Sylvia A. (Henline) who worked as a dressmaker. Son William, age 14, was also living with the family. According to the 1925 State Kansas Census, John Maas was 36 years old and Hattie was 23 years old. Hattie moved to the bungalow from 3650 Fifth Avenue, according to the City Directory, her profession was listed as a clerk at the San Diego Zoo.
There are no City Directory listings from 1986 onward. Norma Jean Rucker was listed as the owner between 1986 and 1993.
In 1993, Debra Ann Dominici bought the bungalow at 3851 Hawk Street. She is a Cultural Resource Specialist. She was interested in the formation of a historic district and prepared information that she shared with the City of San Diego Historic Resources staff about the Melhorn’s and properties on Hawk Street and Alberta Place to further the creation of a historic district, which, is now proposed as the Marine View Historic District.
In 2016, Montinee J. Pongsiri, a financial services professional and Brian Sanders a consultant purchased the bungalow at 3851 Hawk Street.
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Representative of the notable work or a master builder, designer, architect, engineer, landscape architect, interior designer, artist, or craftsman
Martin Vernon Melhorn.
Martin V. Melhorn was born in Indiana in 1866. His parents both emigrated from Germany. He moved from Indiana and lived in Falls City, Nebraska then Denver before coming to San Diego. As far back as 1891, Melhorn was in the building industry as he filed a building permit there for $20,000.00 that year. In 1901, while in Denver, he had a business relationship with John J. Wahrenberger as a principal with the American Loan and Trust Company. In May 1901, he was dismissed from a charge of forgery that he stated was “an unjust dispute”. But other financial troubles burdened Melhorn who was also listed as the President of the Colorado Building and Lumber Company. In July 1901, that company went into receivership with liabilities of $40,000 and inadequate assets to meet its obligations.
In 1911, perhaps to start fresh, Martin Melhorn, with his wife Alberta and son William moved to San Diego. They were likely attracted to the building boom that was taking place leading up to the Panama California Exposition and in joining Melhorn’s former business partner, John J. Wahrenberger who settled here first.
Martin V. Melhorn through various business enterprises became one of the many talented master builders who also called Mission Hills home. He was responsible for over 60 known houses being built in Mission Hills and over 100 known houses built in San Diego County. Criterion D – Master Builder
In 1911, Martin Melhorn formed the Bay City Construction Company with John J. Wahrenberger and began building houses in Mission Hills, North Park and University Heights. They designed houses mostly in the Arts & Crafts and Craftsman genres that were popular before World War One. The Bay City Construction Company buildings were well-crafted artistic bungalows. The company also built low and mid-rise hotels, apartment buildings and commercial buildings in Golden Hill and downtown.
In 1913, Melhorn founded a real estate investment and development company, the Alberta Security Company, named after his wife. Martin and Alberta bought entire blocks or groups of lots in Mission Hills and elsewhere. They packaged their properties to prospective buyers. Martin showed the potential client’s alternatives for house styles. He took their requests and determined their financial ability and drafted the building plans. In 1916, Bay City Construction Company was dissolved when John Wahrenberger became ill. Melhorn was then operating under the name, Martin V. Melhorn Investments and in 1918, Wahrenberger died. In 1922, Melhorn changed the name of his general contracting company to M.V. Melhorn and Son when his son William B joined him in the business. Buyers would sign mortgage papers and secure loans with the Alberta Security Company and the funds would go to the M.V. Melhorn and Son. The title would stay with the Alberta Security Company until the mortgage was paid.
The Alberta Security Company was located at 4009 Hawk Street (demolished) in Mission Hills. Melhorn and Alberta lived in a rustic bungalow with cobblestone rocks at 1309 Fort Stockton Drive (greatly altered) and between 1920 and 1922 at 1740 Fort Stockton Drive in a 1920 two-story Prairie School house he designed. In 1922, the Melhorns lived at 3838 Hawk Street and built a row of houses on this block too. He lived here until his death in 1925.
During the early 20th century Arts & Crafts movement, Melhorn built bungalows that shared many character-defining features, including the use of cobblestone rocks, vertical wood alternating shingles, low-pitched rooflines, overhanging eaves. Among early Melhorn designs are the historically designated (#790) 1912 Tudor S. Rogers/Martin Melhorn Residence at 4060 Alameda Drive and thirteen 1912-1915 bungalows in the Arnold and Choate’s Addition block #59 between Fort Stockton Drive to the north, West Washington Place to the South and between Lark Street and Ingalls Street, including the designated (#318) Melhorn-King Residence at 1302 Washington Place. Criterion D – Master Builder
The mostly intact city block features rustic Craftsman bungalows with cobblestone and brick chimneys, porches and porch piers.
During this same time, Melhorn built the model Craftsman houses along Sunset Boulevard to help market the Inspiration Heights subdivision, including the historically designated Henry H. Nelson house (1911) at 1955 Sunset Boulevard. Melhorn also built two houses in 1913 on Sunset Boulevard and Alameda Drive.
Following World War One, in the later 1910s and early 1920s,the Arts and Crafts movement waned and styles changed. Melhorn became more experimental. He designed Martin V. Melhorn Illustration larger residences for leading citizens of San Diego. Some of his experimental designs at this time included cottages and bungalows in which he incorporated Prairie School, Neoclassical Greek Revival, Colonial Revival and Japanese inspired elements. Melhorn designed two very unique, houses in 1917: at 1845 Sunset Boulevard, a contributor to the Mission Hills Historic District, (possibly using columns that were remnants from the Panama California Exposition in this building) and at 1980 Alameda Terrace incorporating the same classical design motifs in a more moderne way.
Melhorn was among a handful of Mission Hills builders who were responsible for the concentration of Prairie School style houses in San Diego County. There are over 50 Prairie School style houses in Mission Hills by builders such as Martin Melhorn, Alexander Schreiber, Joel Brown, Nathan Rigdon, William Wahrenberger, Joseph Burness, and Harry L. Turner.
In 1923, Martin V. Melhorn also designed the Spanish Revival Powers Plumbing shop at 1705 West Lewis Street (Fort Stockton Line Historic District contributor) and two small bungalows adjacent to the shop along Stephens Street for Calvin Powers. During this time, he was also associated with Frank E. Melcher, buying lots in Mission Hills.
Melhorn’s obituary appeared in the August 15, 1925 San Diego Evening Tribune. He committed suicide at his home at 3869 Hawk Street by gassing himself to death. His wife Alberta was out of town in Los Angeles and he was late to a dinner appointment with his son, when he was discovered dead. According to his son, Martin had been in ill-health at the time. Alberta Melhorn died at the age of 85 years in September 1955 while living at 2540 Jackson Street. Criterion D – Master Builder
Melhorn’s son William carried on and took control of the family building business. William B. Melhorn, was a master builder in is own right. He built small Spanish Revival homes along Shirley Ann Place (named after his wife), which is now a historic district.
Criterion D – Master Builder
William built the Burnett’s Furniture Store, Standard Furniture Store and Lloyd’s Furniture during the 1930s and 1940s. The William B. Melhorn Company had another name change in 1956, renamed the Melhorn Company, which and was run by Martin Melhorn’s grandson Jerry McHenry until 2004. In 2004 it was sold and renamed the Melhorn Construction Inc. and moved to National City but does not appear to have survived the 2008 recession.
Historically Designated Martin V. Melhorn sites are as follows: • HRB #318 – 1913 Melhorn-King Residence (1302 Washington Place) • HRB #489 – 1917 The Joseph S. Mack House (3932 Alameda Place) • HRB #583 – 1921 The Neil Brown/Martin V. Melhorn House (4195 Palmetto Way) • HRB #780 – 1914 Alberta Security/Martin V. Melhorn Spec House #1 (1201 West Arbor Drive) • HRB #790 – 1913 Tudor Rodgers/Martin V. Melhorn House (4060 Alameda Drive) • HRB # 821-33 – 1925 Mission Hills Historic District Contributor (1875 Sherican Ave.) • HRB #821-46 – 1917 Mission Hills Historic District Contributor (1845 Sunset Blvd.) • HRB # 822-08– 1926 Fort Stockton Line Historic District Contributor (1811 Fort Stockton Drive) • HRB # 882-61–1924 Fort Stockton Line Historic District Contributor (2281 Pine Street) • HRB #822-68– 1923 Fort Stockton Line Historic District Contributor (1705 West Lewis Street (Powers Plumbing) • HRB # 822-72– 1923 Fort Stockton Line Historic District Contributor (1731 West Lewis Street), • HRB # 822-73– 1923 Fort Stockton Line Historic District Contributor (1732 West Lewis Street), • HRB # 823– 1921 Franklin and Helen Boulter/Martin V. Melhorn House (4119 Palmetto Way), • HRB #888 – 1918-1923 Alberta Security Company/Martin V. Melhorn Spec House #2 (4144 Lark Street) • HRB #997– 1922, Emma Spargle Chanter/Martin V. Melhorn House (4139 Palmetto Way) • HRB # 978– 1912 Henry Nelson/Martin V. Melhorn Spec House #1 (1955 Sunset Blvd.) • HRB # 1005– 1911, #1005 John and Emilie Wahrenberger/Martin V. Melhorn (1329 Fort Stockton Drive) • HRB # 1122– 1919, Alberta Security Company/Martin V. Melhorn Spec House #3 (4019 Hawk Street) • HRB # 1164–1914 Nancy Johnson and Richard Carter/Martin V. Melhorn House (3916 Alameda Place) Criterion D – Master Builder
• HRB #1200– 1917 Alberta Security Company/Martin V. Melhorn Spec House #4 (3917 Alameda Drive) • 4186 Jackdaw Street, 1914, # not listed.
A partial list of Martin V. Melhorn houses built it Mission Hills • Thirteen 1912-1915 bungalows in Arnold & Choate’s Addition Block 59, bounded by Fort Stockton Drive and Washington Place, Lark Street and Ingalls Street. Bay City Construction Company. • 3912 Alameda Place, Bay City Construction Company, 1914 • 3916 Alameda Place, Bay City Construction Company, 1914 • 2128 Pine Street, 1916. • 4263 Hermosa Way, 1916 • 4024 Saint James Place, 1916 • 1980 Alameda Terrace, 1917 • 3920 Hawk Street, 1918 • 1740 Fort Stockton Drive, 1920, Melhorn’s home 1920-22. • 2128 Pine Street, 1918 • 3925 Hawk Street, 1919 • 3906 Hawk Street, 1919 • 1002 Bush Street, 1920 • 1015 W. University Avenue, 1920 • 3945 Alameda Drive, 1920 • 3807 Hawk Street, 1920 • 3811 Hawk Street, 1920 • 3819 Hawk Street, 1920 • 3827 Hawk Street, 1920, altered • 3835 Hawk Street 1920 • 3839 Hawk Street, 1920, Martin and Alberta Melhorn lived here 1922 – 1926 • 3845 Hawk Street, 1920 • 3851 Hawk Street, 1920, the subject of this report. • 3904 Hawk Street, 1920 • 3914 Hawk Street, 1920 • 3917 Hawk Street, 1920 • 1012 Alberta Place, altered, 1921 • 4145 Palmetto Way, 1920 • 4072 Stephens Street, 1922, commissioned by Calvin Powers • 4078 Stephens Street, 1922, commissioned by Calvin Powers • 4146 Stephens Street, 1922, destroyed • 1726 West Montecito Way, 1922 • 1758 West Montecito Way, 1922 • 1003 Alberta Place, 1922 • 1020 Alberta Place, 1923 • 1752 West Montecito Way, 1923 Criterion D – Master Builder
• 1761 West Montecito Way, 1923 • 1508 West Lewis Street, 1923 • 1717 West Lewis Street, altered, 1923 • 1728 West Lewis Street, destroyed, 1923 • 1731 West Lewis Street, 1923 • 1732 West Lewis Street, 1923 • 1739 West Lewis Street, severely altered, 1923 • 1021 Alberta Place, 1924 • 4181 Arden Way, 1924 • 4184 Arden Way, 1924 • 4185 Arden Way, 1924 • 4193 Arden Way, 1924 • 1760 West Montecito Way, 1924 • 1721 West Montecito Way, 1924 • 1736 West Montecito Way, 1925 • 1746 West Montecito Way, destroyed, 1922 • 1768 West Arbor Drive, 1925 • 2281 Pine Street, 1925 • 1011 West Montecito Way, no year, severely altered. • 1783 Sunset Blvd, severely altered. • 2112 Pine Street • 2146 Pine Street • A row of Melhorn 1920s bungalows, along 4100 block of Palmetto